We entered the city we had been away from for more than eleven years. Othera and I marvelled at the development that the city had undergone, and we were excited that we were present to view them. It was our third summer of training, but since I had been called by the king to report to him by then, we had finished our training even before then and before our colleagues. As we moved about the people while on our horses, spies that had been stationed around the place soon reported to the king that I had arrived.
"Your majesty, Malique is within the city and he rides with a friend of his."
"Ahh... go and meet them and bring them here. I want to see who I'm dealing with."
"Yes, sir!" The spy saluted him and left.
He met us on the street as we were buying some food to feed our horses.
"Come with me, honoured guests. The king seeks your presence. You don't have to worry about the food for your horses; the palace servants will take care of them for you."
We were surprised that the king already knew that we were in the city, but we gladly followed the spy into the palace. He ordered us to dismount from our horses as they were to be taken into the stables, and he personally led us to the king's throne room.
"The king is beyond those doors. You can enter only if he calls your name." He left us and entered the room.
"Well," I asked Othera, "How do I look? Presentable to the king or just a weary and dusty traveller?"
"More of the dusty traveller." He said, smiling.
"Well, he hasn't exactly given us enough time to rest and wash up."
"He will not mind. Anyway, do you have the letter he had told you to bring when you are to appear before him?"
"Yes. It's right here within my pocket."
We turned to the doors as they opened, and the spy came and told us that the king was waiting for me to enter. Othera was however not allowed to enter.
"Come, great warrior, and present yourself before my presence."
I walked into the room and marvelled at the size and grandeur of the room. All the walls had purple and gold cloth adorning them. Above me there was enough light that came from the evenly spaced holes that were on the ceiling and there were guards posted next to each and every pillar that was in the room. I felt small even as I gawked at how the throne was. It was made entirely out of gold with a red cushion. The detail in the throne was that of an eagle in flight surrounded by engraved grapes and vines that coiled around the throne beautifying it.
The king himself was a sight to behold. He had worn a robe of the most beautiful blue with gold threading along its seams and he had worn a large grey cloak that was wrapped around him. On his feet were animal-skin shoes that were embroided with the finest silver in the land. In his hand, he held the royal sceptre that held the moon and a star at its tip and all round it was crafted out of gold with silver inlays. On his head was his crown that was also made out of gold and had precious stones embedded on it. He wore various rings and necklaces that raised his god-like status before my eyes. When I was near enough, I bowed low before him.
